The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-06
a MEMORIAL HALL FOR wAR TROPHIES
what a Grand Army Man Proposcs-Win the
Veterans Approve?


Veterans Approve?
Washington special.
1t seems not unlikely that the discussion over
the proper disposition Of the rebel battle flags
may result in the bringing together OF all snch
trophies at the national capital. 1t is by no
means probable that the proposition to burn
or otherwise destroy the memorials of nations
sacrifice in heroic struggle for self preservation
ever will be adopted One plan which has been
received with some favor is the establishment by
The general government of great military and
naval museum, in which shall be deposited all
such trophies. Another suggestion, the outlines
of which were recently sketched to a Tribune
correspondent by a member of the Grand Army
Of the Republic and which probably will be
brought to the attention of that organization at
the national encampment, in Septemb Der, In
brief, Is follows:
There are some g. 500 Grand Army posts, with
total membership of say $50 900 men, The
average age Of the m m bers is forty six years.
and il is estimated that at the end OF the next
fifteen years the number OF posts Will nave ma
teriaIly diminished owing to natural causes. OF
course within very great period the Grand
Army, as composed, will cease to exist. 1t
Is proposed. therefore, that the Grand Army
shall now take steps looking to the preservation
of it's muster-rolls and other records, we'll as
the immense number of battle trophies and other
memorials of the war which are the property or
the several Grand Army posts and are liable to
be scattered and destroyed when these posts cease
to keep up their organization. 1t is estimated
that the proceeds of two yearly subscriptions of
dollar each from the members of the Grand
Army would build and suitably endow me-
mortal building in Washington, in which might be
bestowed and preserved, not only the records
and trophies of the several posts, but the rebel
flags and other trophies now in the custody OF the
War and Navy Departments. 1t is regarded as
probable. also, that the authorities of the loyal
States ultimately would confde the rebel flags
in their possession to the same trusteeship.
Such depository also might be found suitable
for the final bestowal of the records ard other
property belon gng to the societies of the armies
Of the Potomac the Tennessee, the Cumberland,
etc, and the various army corps organizations.
Every annual reunion of each of these organiza-
tons admonishes its mem bers that the time IS
rapidly approaching when such reunions will
cease
The plan above sketched out contemplates the
building of suitable structure in Washington,
and the contribution of an endowment fund, the
income from which shall DO sufficient for its per-
manent maintenance the whole to be placed in
the custody of board Of five seven trustees.
of whom the President of the United States
shall be ex oficio chairman.
The man who advocates this plan, by whom it
may be brought to tie attention of the national
encampment has given good deal of thought
20 the matter, and he expresses the belief that it
would be not only feasible. but easy of accom-
plishment. He thinks that the Grand Army
Df the Republic would be glad to make to the
Nation gift Of such enduring memorial of
its history and achievements